Be careful not to miss the end of the punch and strike your hand with the hammer. Some punches are spring-loaded and will punch the rivet on their own.
The end of the bit should be thin enough to fit snugly into the divot created by the punch so it can grip it. The drill bit should be the same size as the rivet or smaller. For example, for a 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) rivet, use a 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) or a 3⁄16 inch (0. 48 cm) drill bit.
Use your fingers to spread the lubricant all over the end of the drill bit. You can find drilling lubricant at hardware stores or online.
Standard eyeglasses are not adequate protection. Be sure to wear safety glasses that are rated for drilling or cutting metal.
Keep one hand on the handle of the drill to apply pressure and another to hold the drill in place.
Don’t press too hard against the rivet or the drill bit could slip or possibly bend.
Don’t stop drilling until the rivet is completely removed from the surface.
Make sure the safety glasses are rated for metal work.
If you feel resistance as you move, hold the grinder in place to allow it to finish cutting through the metal before you continue cutting through the rivet.
Make sure you knock a good divot into the metal. You may need to hammer the punch a few times to make a deep enough dent.
Drill at a steady speed and maintain pressure against the drill to pierce through the rivet. Look for cutting fluid lubricant at your local hardware store or online.
Make sure the bit is fitted into the drill securely so it doesn’t come loose when you’re boring through the metal. Spread the lubricant around the end of the bit with your fingers to ensure even coverage.
Maintain steady pressure as you drill. Be sure not to press too hard or the bit could slip and scratch the surface.
Be careful not to slip and hit your hand with your hammer.
It may help to knock a few dents into the rivet to help hold the chisel in place. If the rivet is small, use a punch to hammer it through the surface.
Don’t rush or try to hammer the rivet quickly. You’ll be much more likely to slip and injure yourself.
